Dad of Marine found dead in barracks, dies in Tuscarawas River

Man identified in Tuscarawas River death

By Lee Morrison
TimesReporter.com staff writer
Posted Jul 08, 2011

NEW PHILADELPHIA —
Steven E. Sickels, 57, of New Philadelphia, has been identified as the man whose body was found Thursday in the Tuscarawas River, according to Tuscarawas County Sheriff Walt Wilson.

An autopsy was performed by the Stark County Coroner’s Office on Friday and no evidence of trauma or foul play was found, Wilson said, adding he is awaiting toxicology results from the lab, which are expected in a couple of months. Tattoos and clothing were used to confirm Sickels’ identity.

Sickels reportedly had been depressed over the death of his son, Marine Cpl. Shawn Sickels, 22, of New Philadelphia, who was found dead in his barracks in Camp Lejeune, N.C., on March 30.

Concerned family members had called New Philadelphia police Thursday afternoon. At 1:36 p.m., his longtime girlfriend said he had been missing since 4 p.m. Tuesday, when he was last seen leaving the residence. She said he had medical issues, but all of his medications were at the residence.

read more here
Man identified in Tuscarawas River death